Michael Skubala has said Rotherham’s midweek game could give us a slight advantage against them this weekend.
While we have had all week to focus on the opposition, the Millers had a midweek fixture against Burton Albion. A late leveller saw them snatch a point, but on top of 120 minutes against Swindon at the weekend, it could mean tired legs.
“We should have the upper hand because we know physically we’ve not had the game they’ve had,” said our Head Coach on Imps+.
“Hopefully we can make that pay, but like anything, they might make changes, they might not. It makes it trickier to try to guess what team they’re going to play as well.
“There are lots of different elements that go into it. But we’re excited. We need to concentrate on ourselves — that’s the reality. We need to keep focused on ourselves because we’re going to get a job done and try and get three points.”
Putting the physical aspect to one side, the trip to South Yorkshire will not be easy. It’s not a happy hunting ground – we’ve only won once at the New York Stadium, and only beaten the Millers four times in 38 visits since the Second World War.
Even if history can be discounted, Matt Hamshaw’s side are good at home, and will provide stellar opposition for the Imps this weekend.
“They’ve lost once this year at home to Stockport, who obviously are top and a top team, so they’re really good at home,” added Michael.
“I went to watch them Tuesday night live and, you know, they stuck in, they dig deep, and they got back in the game. They’re a really tough team to play against, especially away from home.
“It’s going to be a tough place to go, but we want to get three points. I think they’re unbeaten in five now in the league and probably more so in all competitions, but it’s a challenge for us.
“We think we’ve got enough to go and get something out of the game.”
In terms of recent form, they’re just above us in the six-game table, having taken 11 points from those fixtures, while we have taken ten.
However, they’re 11th in the home form table, having lost to Stockport but also drawn with Wigan, Bradford and Burton, while we are fourth in the away form table.